Campaigning villagers against proposals to build thousands of homes at Arborfield Garrison have welcomed the postponement of a site masterplan decision.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive committee had been due to rubber-stamp the proposal for how 3,500 new homes, a secondary school and shops will look next week.

However, it was announced yesterday the council will put off a decision on its masterplan while further discussion with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) takes place.

Councillor Angus Ross, executive member for local and regional planning, said: “We are continuing further discussions with the MoD and ongoing discussions with local councillors and residents groups.”

Martin Rutter, chairman of Arborfield Garrison Residents' Action Group, said: “I think the MoD reason they have given to postpone the decision is a legitimate one. Until we hear from the secretary of state, and no-one else, what the future of Arborfield is, it is premature to be making any decisions.